They support live and dead loads by efficiently transferring the loads to the building walls or supports.
Roof truss vs rafter.
Live loads are not always present.
This can take several weeks.
Examples of live loads are snow wind rain and temporary construction loads.
The method that utilizes rafter roof construction is generically known as stick framing the rafters are lengthy planks usually 2 x 10s or 2 x 12s that slope down from the central ridge beam at the peak of the roof intersecting with the outside walls.
Trusses only use 2 4 lumber and are constructed using a web of 2x4s for strength.
In finished space insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall or other material is fastened to the face.
The insulation will go between the rafters and drywall will be applied directly to the face of each member.
Steeper roof pitches require longer webs which add to the cost.
One other benefit to using rafters over trusses is the lead times.
Cost comparison of roof rafters vs trusses.
The boards creating the slope of the roof are wider than lumber used to build trusses 2x8s 2x10s and 2x12s are most common in rafters vs.
While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses.
If we go any larger it will require more webbing inside the truss which will directly affect the cost of the truss.
Roof truss systems require engineering and drawings.
Roof truss basics roof trusses are engineered wood alternatives to hand framed rafters.
Trusses for residential homes.
Again trusses can create this same open area but not quite as efficiently.
Roof framing has undergone a quiet revolution over the past half century.
Just as there are many types of roofs with many roof parts there are many different types of roof trusses this extensive article explains through a series of custom truss diagrams the different truss configurations you can use for various roofs.
Throw in the element of a construction budget and this is where rubber meets the road.
Stick framing is slightly more because of increased labor.
A typical 2 000 square foot home framing costs between 7 000 and 12 000 for a truss roof.
The reason for this is that flat or shallow roofs withstand much more abuse and loads than steeper roofs making wider shed roof rafters a necessity.
Trusses are gradually replacing the conventional rafters to the point that nowadays more than 80 percent of new residential construction uses trusses to support the roof.
This 26 span truss with a 4 12 roof pitch is the most economical truss we can build.
The same is true if we make it steeper.
Expect to pay between 6 and 9 a square foot for rafter framing.